John Torrey

(1796-1873) John Torrey was not only a very early botanist but a very fine scientific mind. His work laid the foundation for much of plant taxonomy as we know it today. The great botanist Asa Gray, who seemingly influenced every botanist of hist time (and since) was Torrey's student at Princeton. Torrey recognized Gray's extraordinary abilities immediately and they became collaborators and friends. They compiled their pioneering piece Flora of North America together, as well as Flora of the State of New York.

Torrey was also well-known for his intellectual generosity as well as his botanical abilities and gave assistance to every botanist that he could, which is probably one of the reasons why we still feel his influence today. An entire genus of evergreen trees called "Torreya" are named for Torrey.